Runny Bottom - rather than runny eggs!

[Hilary]

Please advise...
point of lay rhodie, looks v healthy - but has developed very runny poo and its sticking to the vent feathers.
What should I do? They are totally free range - and the other three all seem fine. she has laid today , and seems ok - other than this.
thanks in anticipation

[Alison]

Wash the eggs!!!!!

[Hilary]

Thanks for that thought - but the eggs have been clear of all possible free compost additive!!
i am more concerned with diet/remedy!

[CountryFayre]

Make sure that she has a supply of FLINT grit available.

When were the birds last wormed? If you pick her up is she light at all?

[Hilary]

I cant seem to find flint grit anywhere near here... so they are on oyster grit. I will try and source some online.

i have infact bought some powder today to worm them all, wondering if that may be the case. i was sold a sachet of BIOZINE - the prob I also have, is that they dont use the drinker as much as puddles and pools of rainwater - so I am concerned how to ensure they drink the necessary amount during the 12 hours it remains in the drinker - I wonder if I should keep them in the run for a day - although they hate that with a passion and just stress themselves out.
Also - have discovered by following them - two have started to lay in a neighbours upturned wheelbarrow! I have broken up the nest and filled it with holly - but they seem hellbent on leaving home! Again, I kept them in, theoretically for a couple of days to remind them where they should be - and thats how I know how stressy they get when they dont get their own way! This has only been going on for about three days - and doenst include poorly poo girl.
thanks for the note - and I will consider tomorrow if she seems light. Dont think so; mentally - but will study her.

[CountryFayre]

I would keep them in their run for 7 days. Make it as interesting as possible if they don't like being in there. Cabbage leaves hung up and polystyrene packaging are a couple of boredom breakers.

I have pm'd you re the grit

[Hilary]

thanks so much - will hotfoot out to buy another cabbage! they are all in the run - three have laid today - and have just withdrawn their water until teatime! Have been told to make them thirsty then they will drink magic potion!
have bought some verm-x having researched it last night on here. also - going to trim feathers - and suggestion has been to leave the two or three long feathers so they dont end up looking scruffy. good advice?
at least its cold and snowy today- so they are better indoors dry and warm.

[Sue]

Countryfayre
I am intrigued by the mention of polystyrene packaging, what do they do with it, I have to be very careful with it at home as one of my cat would eat it given half a chance.
Any other ideas for things for them to do?? Done the cabbage.
best wishes
Sue

[welsh veg grower]

sounds like worms to me. I was told not to let them eat snails as this can give them worms. MMMM so I should check all 6 acres for snails.

Did you get liquid vermi-X they do it in pellets as well but v expensive. Would like to know what everyone thinks of it. Is it as good as the stuff from vet. Flubevent I think its called.

[Hilary]

Hi Bec - poo returned to normal! the vermi x seemed fine. i had the liquid - and the suggestion was to withdraw their water for 12 hours - and then give them the drinker with the potion in. didnt wait the 12 hours, as that seemed a tough call - but certainly a goodly few hours.

all are laying - and seem fine.
having said all that - i came on here to seek advice again - one of the rhodies seems to either cough or sneeze or bark - i cant decide which it is! she seems well and looks fine - any offerings what she may have and what I should do?

[daisychook]

Hi,
Am a bit late with my two ha'penny, however .....!!!

We give our chooks a small amount of bio live yoghurt and muesili mixed in with it probably three times a week. It seems to sort out any digestive problems, and they love it.

Not sure on your other issue though sorry!


Daisy

[serenity]

I am alway a bit suspicios of giving my chucks dairy. Doesn't seem like their normal diet, can't imagine a chuck suckling a cows teat

[Squirrel]

The nice thing about Verm=x is that there is no withdrawal period for eggs unlike Flubenvet and all the 'mectins that are used!

Try apple cider vinegar in their water for a couple of days if they are stressed. You know of course, that Verm-x is given for three consecutive days?

[daisychook]

I am alway a bit suspicios of giving my chucks dairy. Doesn't seem like their normal diet, can't imagine a chuck suckling a cows teat

Neither can I imagine me doing that either, but I still have milk in my tea..?? As I am sure the majority on this forum do too, and dont feel the need for such close contact a cow either.

Got this tip from a lifelong chicken keeper, my chooks love it. I didnt say it was compulsory, just offering my idea and suggestion as to what works for me.

I dont think Chicken keeping is an exact science .

[welsh veg grower]

have used vermx this time seems much better than pumbing chemicals in. mine are now unsettled as they have had a rat in the run with them. Oh the joys